Much of Kurdistan Region’s future will be intrinsically linked to how well it can manage its relationships with Baghdad and Ankara. Oil and gas are at the heart of that. The market logic of Kurdish new and significant supplies meeting Turkey’s energy demand looks overwhelming. That presents a challenge to Baghdad. How to secure the best deal for Kurdistan will be the dominant issue in the next few years.
As Kurdistan goes through this, the Region will be able to count on an ever-closer relationship with Britain. I believe we have a lot to offer. Kurds know that the advice we give on Iraqi and regional politics in what will remain a troubled region is motivated by a long history and tradition and has the best interests of the Region at its core. Our universities, among the very best in the world, provide an ideal route for Kurds wanting to study abroad. Our businesses are committed to quality and are here in ever growing numbers. If Kurdistan does produce one million barrels of oil per day by 2015 it will be largely due to the work of UK companies. The Anglo-Turkish company Genel, alone predicts that it will produce 500,000 bpd by 2015. Our know-how and expertise matches Kurdish demands.
I have run out of space but not of fantastic memories. Thank you to everyone I have met in the Region for sharing your thoughts, hopes and ideas with me. It has been an honour to be here.
My conclusion, though, is simple: I think the Kurdistan Region is going to be and do just fine. The people deserve it.
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